Ninja SS401 vs SS351: Which Ninja Power Blender System Should You Choose?

When it comes to high-powered blenders, Ninja has built a reputation for creating machines that don’t just blend but also handle food processing, smoothie bowls, nut butters, and even dough. I’ve personally had the chance to test out both the Ninja SS401 and the Ninja SS351, and while they share a lot in common, they also have some key differences that make one better suited for certain users than the other.

In this comparison, I’ll break down everything I noticed; from design to performance, ease of use, and overall functionality—so you can decide whether the SS401 or SS351 is the right fit for your kitchen.

Key Difference Between Ninja SS401 and SS351 Power Blender System

The main difference comes down to power, accessories, and food processing features.

• Ninja SS401 is the more advanced model with a 1600-peak-watt motor, a feed chute lid, and select-cut processing discs for shredding, slicing, and grating, making it a true blender + food processor combo.
• Ninja SS351, on the other hand, is slightly less powerful with a 1400-peak-watt motor, doesn’t include the advanced processing discs, and has fewer preset functions. However, it’s still extremely capable and slightly more compact and lightweight.

In short: the SS401 is a more complete kitchen system, while the SS351 is a strong all-in-one blender that covers the basics at a lower cost.

Comparison Table: Ninja SS401 vs SS351 Ninja Power Blender System

Feature	Ninja SS401	Ninja SS351
Motor Power	1600 Peak Watts	1400 Peak Watts
Functions	7 Auto-iQ Programs	6 Auto-iQ Programs
Processing Discs	Yes (slicing, shredding, grating)	No
Pitcher Capacity	72 oz.	72 oz.
Smoothie Bowl Maker	Yes (18 oz. with tamper)	Yes (14 oz. with tamper)
Nutrient Extraction Cup	24 oz.	24 oz.
Weight	12.1 lbs	8.2 lbs
Best For	Full kitchen replacement (blending + food processing)	Everyday blending, smoothies, and bowls
Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: Ninja SS401 Vs SS351 Power Blender System

1. Design & Build Quality

When I unboxed both machines, I immediately noticed the SS401 is bulkier and heavier than the SS351. At 12.1 pounds, the SS401 feels solid, almost like a mini food processor and blender hybrid, while the SS351 is lighter (8.2 pounds) and easier to move around.

Both have the classic Ninja sleek silver finish, and both include the large 72-oz pitcher which is great for family-sized smoothies or meal prep. The big difference is the feed chute lid on the SS401, which lets you shred cheese, slice cucumbers, or grate carrots directly into the pitcher, something the SS351 doesn’t offer.

If counter space is a concern, the SS351 is more compact. But if you’re after versatility, the SS401’s design wins.

2. Ease of Use

Both models are easy to set up, but I found the SS351 slightly quicker to operate because it has fewer attachments and parts to assemble. The SS401 requires more handling since you need to choose between blades, processing discs, and lids depending on the task.

That said, the Auto-iQ one-touch programs on both models make blending super straightforward. Whether I wanted a smoothie, smoothie bowl, or nut butter, all I had to do was press a button and let the machine handle the pulsing and pausing.

For quick morning smoothies, the SS351 is less “fussy.” For full meal prep or more complex tasks, the SS401 gives you that flexibility.

3. Functions & Performance

Here’s where I really noticed the differences.

• Ninja SS401: With its 1600-peak-watt motor and extra processing discs, it handled everything I threw at it; frozen fruit for smoothie bowls, nut butters, even grating cheese and slicing zucchini. The built-in 18 oz. smoothie bowl maker with tamper worked flawlessly, creating thick, creamy acai bowls without stalling.
• Ninja SS351: Slightly less powerful at 1400 peak watts, but still strong enough for frozen fruit smoothies, protein shakes, and nut butters. Its 14 oz. smoothie bowl maker also worked well but felt a little smaller compared to the SS401’s. It doesn’t have the food processing discs, so I couldn’t slice or shred veggies directly.

In terms of blending power, both are fantastic, but the SS401 is simply more versatile.

4. Cleaning & Maintenance

Both models come with dishwasher-safe parts, which is a lifesaver. I tested this by tossing the pitcher, blades, and cups into the dishwasher after a smoothie session, and they came out spotless.

The SS401, with its multiple discs and attachments, does mean more pieces to clean, but nothing too overwhelming. The SS351 has fewer parts, making it slightly more convenient if you just want a quick blend-and-rinse routine.

5. Accessories Included

This is where the SS401 really shines. It comes with:

• Feed chute lid with pusher
• Reversible slicing/shredding disc
• Grating disc
• 18 oz. smoothie bowl maker with tamper
• 24 oz. nutrient extraction cup
• Total crushing & chopping blade
• Dough blade

Meanwhile, the SS351 comes with fewer accessories but still covers the essentials:

• 72 oz. pitcher
• 14 oz. smoothie bowl maker
• 24 oz. nutrient extraction cups (x2)
• Dough blade

So if you want a true “all-in-one kitchen replacement,” the SS401 is the clear winner.

Quick Rundown Of Ninja SS401 Blender & Food Processor Combo

Pros √

• More powerful (1600 watts)
• Food processing discs for slicing/shredding/grating
• Larger smoothie bowl maker (18 oz.)
• 7 Auto-iQ programs
• Dishwasher-safe parts

Cons x

• Bulkier and heavier
• More attachments to store and clean
• Higher price point

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Quick Rundown of Ninja SS351 Foodi Power Pitcher System

Pros √

• Lighter and more compact
• Still very powerful (1400 watts)
• Covers all the basics: smoothies, bowls, dough, spreads
• Easier to use daily with fewer parts
• More affordable

Cons x

• No food processing discs
• Smaller smoothie bowl maker (14 oz.)
• Slightly less powerful motor

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Conclusion: Ninja SS401 vs SS351 – Which One Should You Buy?

After testing both, my recommendation depends on how you’ll use the blender.

• If you just want a powerful daily blender for smoothies, protein shakes, smoothie bowls, and the occasional dough, the Ninja SS351 is more than enough. It’s lighter, simpler, and still very powerful.
• If you want a true blender + food processor combo that can handle slicing, shredding, and grating in addition to blending, the Ninja SS401 is worth the extra investment. It’s like getting two appliances in one.

Personally, I found myself reaching for the SS351 on busy mornings when I just needed a smoothie fast, but I loved using the SS401 on weekends for meal prep, when I had time to take advantage of all the extra features.

Bottom line: Choose the SS351 for simplicity and affordability, and the SS401 if you want maximum versatility and food processing power.